Jesse.Tharin@f7.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Jesse Tharin) (02/13/90)
Index Number: 6761
Julius, Pandora, Mark...
I've found some vans to rent with lifts and optional hand controls
and optionally removable driver's seats to be piloted directly from
your own wheelchair. I called an organization named Mobility
International, P O Box 3551, Eugene, Oregon 97403, 503-343-1284.
They're publishing a book called "A World of Options for the
Ninetys", and more on that later when it arrives, but they have
several lease and rent agents for lift-equipped vans. One company is
called Wheeler's Transportation and is based out of Phoenix, Arizona
with agents in San Diego and Los Angeles. They're at 3127 W.
Virginia Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85003, 800-456-1371. Except for
their first dropped-floor experiment, they make their own vans from
new parts. They'll even deliver a van to another city for time and
mileage charges.
I also found a company called Associated Leasing in Orlando
Florida and Burnsville, Minnesota just outside of Minneapolis, but
haven't contacted them to verify. Also found an unverified rumor
that there are a number of vans with lifts in National Car Rental's
fleet, and will check further on that even though about three months
ago I got a denial from them. If it's important to know right away,
take these rumors and run them down for us.
A further possible source of information is S.A.T.H., which stands
for the Society for Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped.
They're at 26 Court Street, Brooklyn, New Yawk 11242, phone number
of 718-858-5483. Also a magazine called "ITINERARY" for travelers
with disabilities. Write to them at P O Box 1084, Bayonne, New
Joisey 07002-1084 or call them at 201-858-3400. Finally, there's a
newsletter on these themes called "TRAVELIN' TALK". For this one,
call Rick Crowder, P O Box 3534, Clarksville Tennessee 37043, or
call him at 615-358-2503. WHEW! In thirty seconds we've covered the
whole country!
I've only verified the first two things, Mobility International
and Wheeler's, but there's enough above to warrant another report
when I get more information. I dug this far (in a burst of nervous energy)
because I was so dissatisfied with my answer to Pandora. A thousand
thanks to the sharp and helpful folks at Mobility International!
Jesse
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